United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was not present on United’s flight to Shanghai for the start of United’s pre-season tour of China on Tuesday. According to widespread reports he met with Juventus directors Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici as well as the player’s agent, Mino Raiola and a deal has been agreed in principle in which United must pay Raiola 20 per cent of the fee – a staggering £18.4million.

United had already agreed to pay their half of the agent’s fee but Juve are now saying that if the deal is to be concluded United must pay the whole fee. Juventus had originally said that they would only let the player go for £102million but will now accept £92m if United pay Raiola’s fee.

United have also reportedly agreed to buy Pogba’s commercial rights and hand him a five-year deal, paying him between £200,000 and £290,000 – depending on which reports you read.

The deal would make Pogba, who is currently on holiday in Miami, the most expensive footballer in the world, eclipsing the £86million Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.

Juventus are likely to use the money to go back to Napoli with a second bid for striker Gonzalo Higuain.